The gap between the administration and students has gotten smaller with the final stages of development for the Common Academic Program underway.

While the focus of general education requirements has been on what was being taught, there is now a shift to concentrating on what students are actually learning.

For this, we want to say thank you.

For most, general education credits are just numbers on an advising report that we want to get out of the way as painlessly as possible. While their underlying purpose is to build the whole person, this is rarely the result.

By working to form a stronger connection between general and major requirements, students will receive a more meaningful educational experience.

The relationship and communication between the administration and students is constantly in flux, and there is often a disconnect.

With an issue as important as courses, we're appreciative that what is best for students is coming first. One-credit communication modules, for example, are not doing their intended job. The classes are not coherent and do not help us at all.

 But a one three-credit course combing aspects of all three could be quite effective and prepare us for speaking and interviewing beyond the boundaries of UD.

Overall, we want to commend the administration for re-evaluating the classes and basing their decisions for changes on students and their input, rather than working behind closed doors. We appreciate being able to contribute to the discourse.

The faculty in charge of this process have stressed that they want to hear from students, and they've shown this by hosting forums and discussion boards this semester and by being willing to talk about possible changes, even in the development stages.

An open forum where students and faculty can work together to offer the best opportunities possible is what a university is all about.

Engaging students in CAP is one big step forward.